North Dakota State University Extension called on the public to provide feedback on the Environmental Protection Agency’s draft fungicide strategy, according to a May 14 announcement. The EPA released its proposed plan for comment on May 1, with documents available at https://www.regulations.gov/docket/EPA-HQ-OPP-2026-2973.
The strategy is intended to address how the EPA will reduce possible risks from off-target pesticide exposure to endangered and threatened species or their habitats under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The issue is significant because changes in pesticide regulations can affect agriculture, conservation efforts, and rural communities.
“Providing a wide range of perspectives to the EPA through the public comment process allows for development of a more practical and comprehensive final strategy,” said Madeleine Smith, North Dakota State University Extension pesticide specialist. Smith said that mitigation measures from previous insecticide and herbicide strategies are already being reflected in new pesticide labels such as those for Engenia, Tavium, and Stryax used in soybeans and cotton.
The public has until June 29 to submit comments through https://www.regulations.gov/. The EPA will also host a webinar about the draft strategy on May 20 at 1 p.m. Central Time; registration is required at https://events.gcc.teams.microsoft.com/event/96ee8669-31bb-4904-af77-4b790c6186b0@88b378b3-6748-4867-acf9-76aacbeca6a7.
North Dakota State University Extension and Ag Research News supports rural communities and promotes sustainable agriculture practices as part of North Dakota State University. It focuses on education, research, extension services across North Dakota, and provides undergraduate and graduate programs in agriculture, food systems, and natural resources according to the official website.
The final version of the fungicide strategy is expected from the EPA by November 2026. For more information about pesticide use or participation opportunities, Smith can be contacted or details found at ndsu.ag/pesticides-26.
